The Year of Living Scandalously - Julia London

In 1792, the village of Hadley Green executed a man for stealing the Countess of Ashwood’s historic jewels. Fifteen years later, questions still linger. Was it a crime of greed—or of passion?


When Declan O’Connor, Earl of Donnelly, arrives at Hadley Green to meet with Lily Boudine, the new countess of Ashwood, he immediately recognizes the lovely woman who welcomes him. Pretending to be her cousin Lily in an attempt to avoid an unwanted marriage, Keira Hannigan is staying at the estate while Lily is abroad. When Declan threatens to expose her, Keira convinces him to guard her secret, then enlists him in her investigation of the missing jewels, for she now believes an innocent man was hanged.

Unable to deny the beautiful, exasperating Keira—or their simmering passion—Declan reluctantly agrees. But neither is prepared for the dangerous stranger who threatens to reveal Keira’s lies . . . and Declan knows he must protect Keira at all costs, for she is the woman who now owns his heart.

I love, love, love Julia London. She is one of my favorite authors and whenever she has a new historical romance out I feel like I have to run to the store to get it!!

This book kicks off her new Hadley Green series. And it was, in my opinion, the perfect starting point. I absolutely loved the characters I mean how could I not the hero of the story was Declan Donnelly who is Irish. Just a side note for you guys my ultimate fantasy guy (other than Alexander Skarsgard of course) is an Irish guy who sings and who can speak Gaelic...is that asking too much?? Uh probably!! That is why I love Jonathan Rhys Meyers soo much because he is Irish and after seeing August Rush and finding out he can sing...OH YEAH he is everything ...well that is if he can speak Gaelic!! I loved Declan he was not perfect. He had flaws as did Keira. Also after reading the book I found the perfect theme song for Declan. It is Jane Child's Don't Wanna Fall in Love because he really wasn't looking to fall in love especially not with Keira Hannigan because of their past together. Some of the lyrics are "I don't wanna fall in love no..no. Love cuts just like a knife...woohoo...you make that knife feel good"...also if you wanna hear the whole thing hear ya go...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWd__w5UWVc  (uh just ignore the hot 80'sness, LOL!!!)

I think what I love most about Julia London's books are they are refreshing and funny and the people are real. They aren't cookie cutter perfect. They have flaws and are a bit rough around the edges so therefore you cannot help but root for them to get their own happy ever after!!

Also Mrs. London left me hanging on the edge of my seat with the last chapter setting up the next book so needless to say I'm sooo excited to read the next chapter in the Hadley Green series!!

If you want to read Declan and Keira's story just go here--> The Year of Living Scandalously (Secrets of Hadley Green 1)


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